Full Obituary

     JEAN A. GARDNER, age 95, of Owen, WI, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center, her home for the last 5 years.  A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 9 from 1pm to 4pm at the Loyal Sportsman's Club, in Loyal. Private interment will be held in the Loyal City Cemetery.
     Jean Adeline Cook was born on May 31, 1922 to Raymond and Ida (Loughead) Cook of Unity.  She graduated from Unity High School and also completed the teaching certification at Stevens Point University.  Jean taught in several one-room schools before she started teaching at Sunny Knoll School in Loyal.  This is where she met her future husband, Harold L. Gardner.  He was on the school board and delivered her paycheck.  Jean married Harold on December 25, 1943.  They farmed in the Loyal, Greenwood and Thorp areas.  She was employed at the Owen Health Care Center as a caregiver for 16 years.
     She enjoyed reading, crocheting, quilting and crossword puzzles.  Jean was a very committed member of the Withee Jehovah Witness congregation and they in turn were, helpful, supportive and caring friends.
     She is survived by her children:  Nancy (Fred) Barth,  Bob (Delores) Gardner,  Betty (Dave) Pakiz,  John (Laura) Gardner,  Judy Bucheger,  Gerald (Nancy) Gardner;  daughter-in-law: Tersia Gardner;  21 grandchildren;  35 great grandchildren;  one brother:  Warren (Joan) Cook;  one brother-in-law:  Elmer Gotter; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
     Jean was preceded in death by her parents;  her husband of 41 years, Harold, in 1985;  one son: Ray Gardner;  3 brothers: Roderick, Donald and Orland Cook; one sister: Elinor (Joe) Ramey;  one son-in-law: Jerry Bucheger;  and one great-granddaughter: Caroline Pakiz.
     The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Clark County Rehab & Living Center for all the gentle, loving care provided to her.
     Memorial contributions may be made to a local library in her name.